SHREVEPORT-While the season hasn't officially begun for the Centenary softball team, the Ladies are off to a busy start this fall season as they host the first of two tournaments at the Centenary Softball Complex on Saturday.
The Ladies will begin play against a competitive Bossier Parish Community College team at 10:00 a.m. followed by a 3:00 p.m. matchup against in-state rival, Northwestern State.
Centenary returns three seniors, Haley Bassett, Allison Shepperd and Beth Krysiak from last season's team. Also filling the 2009-10 roster are juniors Caitlin Cavarra, Lauren Highsmith and Bonnie Matak along with sophomores Katie Matthews and Kalyn Harris.
Head coach Mark Montgomery and team welcome six newcomers, junior transfer Sara Dornelas, freshmen Bailey Boggs, Rachel Conard, Kelsey Regan, Jessica Sheldon, and Callie Herrington.
"I am really excited about the new freshmen and how well they have been doing," said Montgomery.
Bassett and Shepperd return for their final season after receiving second-team All-Summit League honors last year, while Matak and Matthews were each named to the Summit League All-Tournament team for their strong play in final games of the 2008-09 season.
"The fall season is a wonderful time to evaluate players at multiple positions to see what needs to be done in order to compete in February," said Mongtomery.
"We will play with intensity and we expect to win, but we also have to remember that these are scrimmages. Despite all the rain we have had, we are getting better each day."
Following Saturday's games, the Ladies will host another fall tournament on Saturday, Oct.3 and Sunday, Oct. 4. Centenary will take on BPCC at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and Louisiana Tech at 2 p.m., Sunday.
